Storm water diversion device

ABSTRACT

The invention is a diversionary device for storm water runoff that will divert water from the center of the street to the sides of the street where filters are in place by others. The diversion device for diverting storm water consists of a length member having a length and a width, the length extending a selected distance, the length having formed a multiplicity of baffles along the selected distance, the width having a selected profile, the profile being selected to divert storm water, the length member having formed on at least one its ends at least one interlocking means.

This application is based on provisional application Ser. No. 61/014,221 filed Dec. 17, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

At present, in an urban environment there are very few means for barricading or diverting storm water on streets during storms. The typical methods are to provide sandbags. However, sandbags have several limitations, they leak, they cannot be driven over, they are labor intensive, and they cannot be easily relocated. The present invention overcomes these problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention describes a modular device that is easily assembled on site to provide a simple diversion device to storm water. In overcoming the problems of the prior art, the present invention enables the assembly of one or more units, depending on the width of the road and the degree of the problem, be providing a quick to assemble barricade.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 describes a perspective view of the invention.

FIG. 2 describes a side view of an element of the invention.

FIG. 3 describes a side view of an element of the invention with a turn connected attached.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a diversion device, which is made up of the following required elements: a series of interlocking length members that form the bulk of the device and an interlocking head member that begins the diversion. The diversion device 100 typically consists of a length member 110 and a head member 180, although in some instances, only the length members 110 may be employed. With reference now to the figures, and referring specifically to FIGS. 1 and 2, a diversion device 100 is disclosed consisting of a length member 110 having a selected length, width and height. Length member 110 is not drawn to scale, the length of length member 110 is attenuated for ease of display. Length member 110 may be anywhere from 2½-8 feet in length, so as to span the street in multiple sections. As seen in FIG. 1, the cross-sectional profile of length member 110 is generally trapezoidal in cross-section with a base 115, an apex 120, and two symmetrical sides 140. The base 115 is wide base relative to a somewhat narrow apex 120 of about 4″ to 6″, apex 120 having a slot 130 running the length of the apex. Length member 110 should be about 10″ to 16″ in width at base 115. However, the height of length member 110 is not a limitation of the invention, it should be sufficient to stop a flow of storm water, but low enough to drive over. Spaced along the side 140 of length member 110 are a plurality of baffles 150. Studies have shown that baffles 150 create pockets of turbulence in the flow of storm water, which have a tendency to impede the flow of storm water, thus slowing the flow of the storm water. Baffles 150 may be formed in one or both sides of the length member 110.

Slot 130 may serve multiple functions. As shown in FIG. 3, it may receive an extension 135 to increase the height of barrier 100 for instances when there is an abnormal flow of storm water. Alternatively, taller pylons may be inserted in slit 130 at sufficient intervals to create a barrier for cars, and/or pedestrians.

Length member 110 should be constructed of plastic, rubber or composite material such that it has some flexibility so that it follows the contours of the road. Alternatively length member 110 could be constructed of a hard plastic for use in the center of the street, with end members constructed of a more flexible rubber where the street has more contour. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that the profile of the base unit need not be trapezoidal, but that a triangular or rounded profile is within the spirit of the invention.

Interlocking means are formed in one end or both ends of length member 110, enabling two or more sections of length member 110 to be connected in order to span a larger portion of the street. Interlocking means are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and may include female, male connectors, formed at opposing ends in length member 110. Interlocking means can also consist of end plates, wherein the base units and head units are connected by means of screws and bolts. Ones of ordinary skill in the art will recognize many methods of connecting the length members. One such method is shown in FIG. 1. where connector 125 extends past end piece 123, and tapers downward. Connector 125 would nestingly fit in a complementary portion of another length member (not shown) to complete the connection.

Looking again at FIGS. 1 and 3, head unit 180 has the same profile as length member 110 and is used to change the direction of diversion device 100. Head member 180 may be placed in the center of the street to storm water diversion, with length members 110 attached by interlocking means and oriented with the direction of storm water flow. Diversion device 100 then conducts the flow of storm water from the center of the street and toward the gutters on each side of the street. It is not necessary that head member 180 be placed in the center of the street, and it may be biased to either side of the street based on the requirements of controlling storm water flow. In this embodiment, head unit 180 is formed having a square foot print, with female interlocking member 210 for receiving male interlocking means of length members 110. Interlocking members 220 are recesses, approximately 4″ in depth, for receiving the complementary member from length member 110 (not shown). Interlocking members 220 are semi-cylindrically shaped projections for mating with complementary shaped recesses on length member 110 (not shown). Interlocking members 220 are also approximately 4″ in length. Interlocking members 200 are column shaped projections of approximately 2″ which mate with complementary recesses on length member 110 (also not shown). The angle of intersection selected in this embodiment is 90°. However, any selected angle of intersection may be selected, 90° having been selected solely for the ease of construction. Also shown is slot 230 which corresponds to slot 130 in length member 110.

FIG. 2 discloses a side view of length member 110 interlocked with head member 180 at surface 190. Length member 110 has a series of baffles 150 spaced along its length recessed from smooth surface 140. Also shown is interlocking means 160, for interconnecting with another length member 110.

Diversion device 100 is preferably made from a high density rubber, but may also be made from, but not limited to Kevlar, carbon fiber, plastic, poly urethane, or any number of resins to accomplish the device's desired results. While the invention is intended for a water diversion device to divert storm water runoff to the sides of the street, it is not limited to this purpose. It may also be used as, but not limited to, a complete containment system for storm water pollution prevention, a temporary speed bump, a diversion device for water, sediment, and both pedestrian and automotive traffic, and with the addition of holes to accept a stanchion, act as a barricade.

While the present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed embodiments. This invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that this disclosure will be thorough, complete and will fully convey the full scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Indeed, many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to mind of those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, and which are intended to be and are covered by both this disclosure, the drawings and the claims. 

1. A diversion device for diverting storm water, the device comprising: a length member having a selected width and height, the length extending a selected distance, the width and height having a selected profile.
 2. The diversion device of claim 1 wherein the selected profile is trapezoidal.
 3. The diversion device of claim 1 wherein the length member has a multiplicity of baffles formed extending the selected distance.
 4. The diversion device of claim 1 wherein the selected profile has an apex extending the length of the length member.
 5. The diversion device of claim 4 wherein the apex forms a slot for receiving an extension, the slot extending the length of the length member.
 6. The diversion device of claim 1 wherein the length member has formed on at least one of its ends interlocking means for connecting to another length member.
 7. The diversion device of claim 1 additionally comprising a head member, the head member for changing the direction of the diversion device, the head member having a length and a width, the length forming a bend at a selected angle, the width having a selected profile.
 8. The diversion device of claim 7 wherein the profile of the head member has the same profile as the length member.
 9. The diversion device of claim 7 wherein the profile of the head member has an apex, the apex forming a slot for receiving an extension.
 10. The diversion device of claim 7 additionally wherein the head member includes interlocking means for connecting to the length member.
 11. The diversion device of claim 7 wherein selected angle of the bend is 90°.
 12. A diversion device for diverting storm water, the device comprising: a length member having a length and a width, the length extending a selected distance, the length having formed a multiplicity of baffles along the selected distance, the width having a selected profile, the profile being selected to divert storm water, the length member having formed on at least one its ends at least one interlocking means.
 13. The diversion device of claim 12 wherein the selected profile is trapezoidal.
 14. The diversion device of claim 12 wherein the selected profile has an apex extending the length of length member.
 15. The diversion device of claim 14 wherein the apex forms a slot for receiving an extension, the slot extending the length of the length member.
 16. The diversion device of claim 12 additionally comprising a head member, the head member for changing the direction of the diversion device, the head member having a length and a width, the length forming a bend at a selected angle, the width having a selected profile.
 17. The diversion device of claim 16 wherein the profile of the head member has the same profile as the length member.
 18. The diversion device of claim 16 wherein the profile of the head member has an apex, the apex forming a slot for receiving an extension.
 19. The diversion device of claim 16 wherein the head unit has formed on at least one of its ends at least one interlocking means.
 20. The diversion device of claim 16 wherein selected angle of the bend is 90°. 